All Items 23

Edward Hitchcock and Orra White Hitchcock letter to the Hitchcock children, 1847 April 1

Hitchcock, Edward, 1793-1864

A letter from Edward and Orra White Hitchcock to their children, addressed to their daughter Mary Hitchcock. Edward Hitchcock has written the letter and has signed it for himself and Orra White. The letter explains their plans to leave New York for Philadelphia on their way to Richmond, Virginia, describes the weather in New York during their stay, and asks Edward Hitchcock, Jr. to pass along information about his medical treatment to the doctor in Amherst.

Edward Hitchcock and Orra White Hitchcock letter to the Hitchcock children, 1847 April 1
Edward Hitchcock letter to the Hitchcock children, 1850 August 12

Hitchcock, Edward, 1793-1864

A letter from Edward Hitchcock to his children in which Hitchcock writes about his and Orra White Hitchcock's trip from Scotland back to London. He describes Edinburgh and the countryside between the two cities in detail, and explains their plans to travel on the continent and when they may start their journey home. He also describes several scholars he has met and writes that he is weary of traveling and wishes his children could switch places with him. On the final page he writes a poem about being separated from loved ones.

Edward Hitchcock letter to the Hitchcock children, 1850 August 12
Orra White Hitchcock letter to the Hitchcock children, 1850 August 12

Hitchcock, Orra White, 1796-1863

A letter from Orra White Hitchcock to her children in which she writes about how she imagines the Amherst College commencement went and that she longs to hear more about it. She admits that she has not ventured onto the streets of London much in the past few days and expects that her children would take greater advantage of the experience of travel and she hopes that someday they will have the opportunity, at an age when they are not "so nearly worn out" as she and their father are. She describes her experience at the meeting of the British Association for the Advancement of Science in Edinburgh, which she enjoyed more than she expected, and notes that she attended all of the public meetings and heard many of the papers. She comments on the notable scientists she saw much of at the meeting, including David Brewster, Sir Roderick Murchison, Professor [Robert] Jameson, and Dr. [Gideon] Mantell. Orra also inquires about things at home and remarks that both she and Edward are cheered by the prospect of returning home, although they dread the voyage across the ocean and "try to feel that the same Almighty power is able to carry" them back safely.

Orra White Hitchcock letter to the Hitchcock children, 1850 August 12
Orra White Hitchcock letter to Mary Hitchcock and Jane Hitchcock, 1850 July 28

Hitchcock, Orra White, 1796-1863

A letter from Orra White Hitchcock to her children, directed to "Mary and Jane in particular & the rest in general." Much of the letter is devoted to expressing her desire for more frequent letters and news, no matter how mundane, from her children. She also offers each of her children advice and direction about their individual endeavours. She reports on their father's ill health and her hope that the weather will be warmer when they reach "the continent." Orra inquires about things at home, initially scolding Kate for not writing, but relenting after receiving a letter from her a couple of days later. Orra describes her travel with her husband(accompanied, at times, by their friends the Tappans) throughout Ireland and Scotland in great detail, focusing especially on Belfast, Dublin, Glasgow, and Edinburgh. She writes extensively about their modes of travel, the landscape, the people, and the houses and dress. She shares her method for dealing with the many persistent "beggars" she encounters on the streets of Ireland, which is to go out with food in her pockets and when asked for money give out pieces of bread. She ends with a brief description of the meeting of the British Association for the Advancement of Science which she and Edward attended in Edinburgh. The letter was begun on July 28, 1850, with portions added over the next few days, with the final portion being written on August 1, 1850.

Orra White Hitchcock letter to Mary Hitchcock and Jane Hitchcock, 1850 July 28
Orra White Hitchcock and Jane Hitchcock letter to Edward Hitchcock, Jr., 1852 May 1

Hitchcock, Orra White, 1796-1863

A letter to Edward Hitchcock, Jr. in which Orra White Hitchcock writes about everyday matters, such as the repairs she made to Edward's stockings, their May Day plans, and a recent trip to Vermont. Edward's sister Jane Elizabeth Hitchcock [later Putnam] then takes over writing, informing him of the news about the Amherst College library and about some recent disputes in the town of Amherst surrounding the construction of a train depot. She also reports on a visit by the phrenologist L.N. Fowler [Lorenzo Niles Fowler] and his assessment of the character of their mother and sisters as well as Jane. Jane also writes about some mutual acquaintances and speculates about how the Hitchcock daughters might support themselves when their father, Edward Hitchcock, retires from the presidency at Amherst College.

Orra White Hitchcock and Jane Hitchcock letter to Edward Hitchcock, Jr., 1852 May 1
Orra White Hitchcock letter to the Hitchcock children, 1850 August 23

Hitchcock, Orra White, 1796-1863

A letter from Orra White Hitchcock to her children, addressed to Edward Hitchcock, Jr. She writes about the many "inconveniences and perplexities" they have experienced as a result of not knowing the languages spoken in the countries they have traveled through. She goes on to describe her and Edward Hitchcock's journey across the English Channel, through France and Belgium and into Germany. Although noting the "continual trouble & vexation & imposition & extortion" they have encountered, Orra acknowledges that the countries they have traveled through have "in general been truly delightful." She goes on to describe the cathedrals and convents they visited, and remarks on the beauty of the scenery on the Rhine. She ends with birthday wishes for her son Charlie.

Orra White Hitchcock letter to the Hitchcock children, 1850 August 23
Edward Hitchcock and Orra White Hitchcock letter to the Hitchcock children, 1848 August 18

Hitchcock, Edward, 1793-1864

A letter from Edward and Orra White Hitchcock to their children, addressed to their daughter Mary Hitchcock. Edward Hitchcock writes of their experiences in Maine, both in Wells Beach and in Newburyport. He complains of the cold weather noting that he has "put on all the winter clothes" he brought along but still cannot get warm. He requests they send copies of pamphlets relating to the new cabinet and observatory of Amherst College, both to him and some other people mentioned. Orra writes that she is glad of cooler weather and describes an excursion to Plum Island and "the greatest frolic you could imagine" in the water. She also mentions her wish to collect some seaweed specimens to bring home.

Edward Hitchcock and Orra White Hitchcock letter to the Hitchcock children, 1848 August 18
Emily Jessup letter to three Hitchcock sisters, 1863 June 4

Jessup, Emily, 1824-1893

A letter of condolence from Emily Jessup to three of Edward and Orra White Hitchcock's daughters upon the death of their mother. Jessup comments on the kindness Edward and Orra White Hitchcock showed to her, comments on her own health and on how some mutual friends are faring, and inquires after Edward Hitchcock's health.

Emily Jessup letter to three Hitchcock sisters, 1863 June 4
Orra White Hitchcock letter to the Hitchcock children, 1850 September 18

Hitchcock, Orra White, 1796-1863

A letter from Orra White Hitchcock to her children in which she explains how tired she has become of travel and sightseeing although she remarks on the splendor of Mont Blanc. She briefly mentions some of the other sights she and Edward Hitchcock have visited in Paris and their plans to visit more. She writes of her longing to reach home and dread of the return trip by boat.

Orra White Hitchcock letter to the Hitchcock children, 1850 September 18
Orra White Hitchcock and Jane Elizabeth Hitchcock letter to Edward Hitchcock, Jr.

Hitchcock, Orra White, 1796-1863

A letter to Edward Hitchcock, Jr. in which Orra White Hitchcock remarks upon a wedding at Prescott, noting that Harrison [likely the groom] "looks in miserable health." She also includes a recipe for pickled plums and pickled peaches. Jane Elizabeth Hitchcock [Putnam] writes as well, asking her brother to bring some people to visit her, though the names are illegible.

Orra White Hitchcock and Jane Elizabeth Hitchcock letter to Edward Hitchcock, Jr.
Letter from unidentified correspondent to Jane Hitchcock Putnam, 1864 March 25

Putnam, Jane Elizabeth Hitchcock, 1833-1894

A letter in which Jeremiah, a friend of Jane Hitchcock, expresses his sympathy for the loss of her father.

Letter from unidentified correspondent to Jane Hitchcock Putnam, 1864 March 25
Charles Hovey Billings letter to Jane Hitchcock Putnam?, 1864 February 28

Billings, Charles Hovey

A letter in which Charles Hovey Billings, a cousin of Jane Hitchcock, expresses his sympathy for the loss of her father, and comments on both of their losses of both of their parents.

Charles Hovey Billings letter to Jane Hitchcock Putnam?, 1864 February 28
Edward Hitchcock receipt of payment to Williston Seminary, 1847

Williston Seminary. (Easthampton, Mass.)

A receipt of payment from Williston Seminary, signed by the Treasurer, Solomon Lyman, to Edward Hitchcock for tuition and expenses for Jane Hitchcock's education at Williston Seminary for the Fall term, 1847. Edward Hitchcock has written "Academy E. Hampton $5.00 1847" on the verso.

Edward Hitchcock receipt of payment to Williston Seminary, 1847
Edward Hitchcock receipt of payment to C. E. Nelson, 1838 February 24

Nelson, Emelia

A receipt of payment from Emilia Nelson on behalf of C. E. Nelson to Edward Hitchcock for Jane Hitchcock's tuition at Amherst Academy. Edward Hitchcock has written "Miss Nelson Bill $2,62 1/2 1838" on the verso.

Edward Hitchcock receipt of payment to C. E. Nelson, 1838 February 24
Letter from unidentified correspondent to Jane Hitchcock Putnam, 1864 March 4

Putnam, Jane Elizabeth Hitchcock, 1833-1894

A letter in which a friend of Jane Hitchcock expresses sympathy for the loss of her father, and talks about leaving home.

Letter from unidentified correspondent to Jane Hitchcock Putnam, 1864 March 4
Edward Hitchcock receipt of payment to Amherst Academy, 1845

Amherst Academy (Amherst, Mass.)

A receipt of payment from Amherst Academy, signed by L. Coleman, to Edward Hitchcock for Jane Hitchcock's tuition at Amherst Academy. Edward Hitchcock has written "Academy 1845," as well as a note that could not be deciphered, on the verso.

Edward Hitchcock receipt of payment to Amherst Academy, 1845
Letter from unidentified correspondent to Jane Hitchcock Putnam, 1864 March 3

Putnam, Jane Elizabeth Hitchcock, 1833-1894

A letter in which the author writes to Jane Hitchcock to expresses sympathy for the loss of her father.

Letter from unidentified correspondent to Jane Hitchcock Putnam, 1864 March 3
Edward Hitchcock receipt of payment to Amherst Academy, 1845 November 1

Amherst Academy (Amherst, Mass.)

A receipt of payment from Amherst Academy, signed by Lyman Coleman, to Edward Hitchcock for Jane Hitchcock's tuition at Amherst Academy. Edward Hitchcock has written "Academy 1845" on the verso.

Edward Hitchcock receipt of payment to Amherst Academy, 1845 November 1
Josey M. Allen letter to Jane Hitchcock Putnam and Emily Hitchcock Terry, 1864 March 25

Allen, Josey M.

A letter in which Josey M. Allen, a friend of Jane and Emily Hitchcock, expresses sympathy for the loss of their father.

Josey M. Allen letter to Jane Hitchcock Putnam and Emily Hitchcock Terry, 1864 March 25
Edward Hitchcock and Jane Elizabeth Hitchcock Putnam letter to Edward Hitchcock, Jr., 1860 December 7

Hitchcock, Edward, 1793-1864

A letter from Edward Hitchcock and Jane Elizabeth Hitchcock Putnam, written to Edward Hitchcock, Jr. during his travels in Europe. Hitchcock mentions his son's travels, notes that he has not been successful in growing his collection of fossils, and predicts that the secession of several states will likely happen before Hitchcock, Jr.'s return. Jane writes that she has been bowling at the new gymnasium at Amherst College, and writes about other household matters and the weather.

Edward Hitchcock and Jane Elizabeth Hitchcock Putnam letter to Edward Hitchcock, Jr., 1860 December 7